February 12, 2008

The day after

Francie wrote me this lovely note after our Christmas visit:

December 26 is the anniversary of Grammy's mother's death. She died from
influenza, leaving behind Grammy age two and baby brother Dick, two months.
December 26 was Grammy's favorite day of the year. I happen to love it too. I
try to keep it quiet and peaceful, to savor the buziness and celebrations
of the preceding 25 days. Christmas 2007 was a very wonderful time; including
moments of insanity and depression and worry that things wouldn't get done...and
the usual feelings of being overwhelmed by gifting, partying and
over-consumerism. But today I'm appreciating how everything works out for
the best...and there were some truly magical "Christmas moments", including
(especially) visits with you, other Byrne family, and Dick. It was also a time
to bring to a conclusion the closing of Grandfather and Grammy's home, precious
possessions and memories.

Comments

Julie was saying to me a while back that the red candle in Christian (and other?) trandition signifies the true presence of the divine and so is kept lit at all times.
Maybe she can chime in with more on that here...

yes, the red glass traditionally houses a Real Presence candle, signifying a Christian group that holds that the bread and wine have been sacramentally transubstantiated. in front of these tabernacles, a candle in red glass is kept perpetually lit. unless there are fire codes and you shouldn't do that ... ;-) ... i LOVED francie's note and didn't know *any* of that ... thanks to francie and monie for the post!